PROVERBS
Discover the classifications of wisdom, the purpose of knowing wisdom, and the significance of proverbs as wisdom literature. Dive into the themes of revelation, instruction, and critical reflection as portrayed in the Scriptures. Uncover the essence of hokmah and mashal, as well as the importance of wisdom in understanding cultural and religious values. Delve into the profound teachings of Proverbs and the enriching wisdom they offer for life's journey.
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PROVERBS August H. Konkel McMcaster Divinity College March 2022
PROVERBS Session 1 Where is Wisdom to be Found? Proverbs as Wisdom Literature august h. konkel
TO KNOW WISDOM Purpose statements introduce Proverbs (1:2-4). To know wisdom and discipline To understand words of knowledge To acquire discipline of insight, righteousness, justice, and equity To give the gullible craftiness, to the youth informed discretion Wisdom is a means of knowing the will of God. Wisdom comes from following the Torah (law) [Prov 6:20-23]. Prophets cite wisdom proverbs: e.g. Jer 31:29; Ezek 18:18. Fathers have eaten sour grapes, the teeth of the children are blunted. Fathers sin, the sons are smitten (Targum).
WISDOM AS A MEANS OF REVELATION Jeremiah 18:18: three sources of authority to be used against Jeremiah Law from the priest (torah mikkohen) Counsel from the wise (`etsah mehakam) Word from the prophet (dabar minnabi ) Ezekiel 7:26: failure of revelation in time of disaster They will seek a vision from the prophet Law from the priest will perish No counsel from the elders
CLASSIFICATIONS OF WISDOM Generic word for wisdom is hokmah; word for wise person is hakam. About 10 other words are used as synonyms but have other meanings The word hokmah means skill for life, occasionally skill in a craft (Ex 28:3, 31:3) Didactic wisdom Instruction in leading a virtuous life Pedagogical texts to prepare for living the ideals of a culture and religion Constructed as the teaching of a father to a son In Egypt the teaching of Amenemope is in this category Critical wisdom Reflect and criticize commonly held assumptions in culture Challenge and correct common perceptions Question of Job: where is wisdom? [Job 28]
CLASSIFICATIONS OF PROVERBS Hebrew word for proverb is mashal. A mashal is a comparison, most often metaphorical. The comparison has a focus on one aspect of two very different things. Jesus uses proverbs in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:23, 24). Physician, heal thyself [perform miracles as you did in Capernaum]. No prophet is accepted in his own country [Sidonian woman and Naaman]. Mashal can be simple, or it can be extended. Kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed (Matt 13:31-33). Parable of the lost (prodigal) son (Luke 15:11-32).
FORM OF PROVERB Proverbs are typically short memorable sayings (aphorisms). If it ain tbroke don t fix it. The child is father to the man. A stitch in time saves nine. Aphorisms are often characterized by assonance and ambiguity. Tov shem meshshemen tov, weyom hammawet meyyom hiwwaldo (Eccl 7:1). A good name is better than oil and the day of death than the day of birth.
FUNCTION OF PROVERB Aphorisms are memorable. Aphorisms express a value or a viewpoint. Distance makes the heart grow fonder. Out of sight out of mind. Proverbs express observations of order (experience of life). Natural order and social order are often compared [ants]. Express an analysis of a situation (so may be contradictory). Fools jump in where angels fear to tread. Opportunity only knocks once.
THE BOOK OF PROVERBS The purpose of proverbs (1:1-7) The instruction of lady wisdom (1:8-9:18) Lady wisdom calls from the towers (1:20-33) Lady wisdom has prepared her banquet (9:1-18) The proverbs of Solomon (10:1-31:31) Collection of 375 proverbs (10:1-22:16) Collection of the words of the wise (22:17-24-34) Collection by the men of Hezekiah (25:1-29:27) Words of Agur (30:1-14) Numerical sayings (30:15-33) Mother of king Lemuel (31:1-9) Woman of strength (31:10-31)
